1.Growing Up
VS: Growing up in inner western Sydney I was exposed to a wide variety of music. I was into R&B and Motown, though I didn’t mind a little Guns N’ Roses once in a while to let my hair down. It wasn’t until I heard Extremes’ ‘More Than Words’ and Tommy Emmanuel when I decided to learn the guitar seriously.
TB: I grew up within the Filipino-Australian community where it was the norm to sing or perform in front of the community. I remember gathering the kids around the neighbourhood and organising singing and dancing concerts for our parents to watch. We would charge 20 cents for entry. I guess at that age I knew I wanted to create a singing school.
2.Inspirations
TB: My first ever record was Lea Salonga’s, which I bought at the age of seven when I was on holiday in the Philippines. I played the record every day; my parents never told me to turn it off or turn it down. She is a musical icon – she lends her voice to many Disney songs such as Mulan and Jasmine in Aladdin.
VS: My fave artists are John Mayer for his guitar playing and clever songwriting abilities, Babyface for his melodies, Prince for his funk, Jamiroquai for their disco and Dave Matthews Band for their genius.
3.Your Band
VS:I normally work in solo format but I regularly work with Byron Mark, Luke Koteras, Carlo Tapia, Eric Fortaleza and Tully Ryan (all friends that are working the scene at the moment). For my launch I shall have Dauno Martinez on bass and Buddy Siolo on drums, both extremely talented and accomplished artists on their own right.
TB: The launch will include special guest performer Lionel Cole, who was recently on The Voice and is part of the legendary Cole family, One Voice Choir and award-winning Latin dancers Brian Lorenz and Wendy He.
4.The Music You Make
VS: I play urban roots groove music – storytelling with a funky pop mentality. My latest album Hey Wait Stay was recorded and mixed at my friend Luke Koteras’ studio, mastered by Chris Sebastian.
5.Music, Right Here,Right Now
TB: I am a vocal teacher as well as a professional vocalist and session singer. There has never been a better time to create and collaborate with musicians and artists. We have more technology, knowledge and connections at our fingertips with the help of social media and computers.
VS: For the best music in Sydney go to Frankie’s Pizza on a Monday night, then when that closes go to Ginger’s on Oxford Street for the Monday night jam. On Wednesdays go to Spring Street, Bondi Junction – awesome music there.
Tina Bangel and Van Sereno double album launch is taking place atBurwood RSL onFriday October 3, tickets online.
